Automatic Pre-Settled status extension and Settled status

The Home Office have previously announced that they will automatically extend Pre-Settled status for those who do not have Settled status, and then put a process in place in 2024 to start automatically granting Settled status in cases where it is clear the person is eligible (potentially based their seeing five years tax records in HMRC records).

While full details have not been published yet, guidance here: Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status): Switch from pre-settled status to settled status - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) states that if you don’t/ cannot switch to Settled status your Pre-Settled status will be extended by 2 years ‘shortly before it’s due to expire’ and that you’ll be emailed when it has been updated.

SIT would suggest that those with Pre-Settled status check for updates to the guidance at the link above, and that they check back in to their UKVI account here: Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) to ensure their details and email address are up to date so they receive any emails about this.

To be eligible for Settled status you must not have spent more than 6 months in any 12 month period outside the UK, although a single longer absence up to 12 months is permitted for an ‘important reason’, and absences where you were stuck outside the UK during the Covid lockdowns may be discounted.

Home Office guidance on these requirements around absences from the UK, and absences during the Covid lockdowns, is found at the following links:

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): EU Settlement Scheme - guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Staff Immigration Team can help anyone within the University with queries on Pre-Settled and Settled status. They should contact Tim Currie or James Baker